The International Labour Organization (ILO), in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Oman’s Social Protection Fund (SPF), has conducted the first training workshop focused on monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of social protection systems in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. This significant event took place in Muscat from November 2 to November 5, 2025, and aimed to enhance the skills of 26 SPF officials and various stakeholders involved in the implementation of Oman’s pioneering Social Protection Law (52/2023).
The training utilized the TRANSFORM learning package, a strategic initiative designed to bolster social protection systems through structured learning and peer exchanges. This program is guided by an advisory group, co-chaired by the ILO and UNICEF, which includes representatives from UNDP, UNESCWA, and WFP. As Oman embarks on comprehensive social protection reforms, establishing a robust M&E system is crucial for guiding policy, assessing socio-economic impacts, and ensuring the sustainability of services.
Radhiya Al-Mahroqi, Director General of Social Protection Policies at the SPF, emphasized the importance of strengthening M&E capacity. “Strengthening M&E capacity is essential for governance, sustainability, and the long-term credibility of the reforms introduced under the Social Protection Law,” she stated. The establishment of the National M&E Committee and its involvement in the training underscore Oman’s commitment to fostering a strong monitoring culture across its newly unified social protection framework.
Oman’s leadership in this area was further highlighted by Luca Pellerano, ILO Senior Technical Advisor on Social Protection. “Delivering the first-ever TRANSFORM M&E module in the GCC reflects Oman’s dedication to developing transparent and accountable social protection systems,” he said. “Monitoring and evaluation are not simply technical add-ons; they form the foundation of a system that learns, adapts, and delivers tangible results for people.”
The workshop included members of the newly formed National M&E Committee for Social Protection, established by the Government of Oman to coordinate monitoring efforts among various ministries and institutions involved in social protection. The committee comprises representatives from the SPF, the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Social Development, and other relevant bodies, demonstrating the government’s commitment to creating a cohesive and systematic M&E framework.
Dr. Bilal Al-Kiswani, UNICEF Oman Programme Manager, noted the significance of robust monitoring and evaluation for effective policymaking. “Robust monitoring and evaluation provide policymakers with the data and clarity needed to refine programs and measure real impact,” he stated. He added that this training is part of UNICEF’s initiative to enhance the SPF’s capacity to leverage advancements in social protection for vulnerable children.
Over the course of four days, the training combined case studies with practical exercises, focusing on building an evidence-based culture and strengthening the “supply side” of national M&E systems. Participants explored the essential components for establishing an effective M&E framework, including the selection and collection of indicators and data, balancing data generation with accountability demands, and integrating service standards.
Particular attention was given to developing indicators for tracking the impact of Oman’s new social protection schemes, ensuring accessibility for the most vulnerable groups, including individuals with disabilities, children, and migrant workers. This initiative aligns with the ILO’s global mandate to monitor social protection systems and promote transparency in policymaking through reliable data.
The ILO’s involvement in the TRANSFORM M&E training was facilitated by the STREAM Programme, a multi-country initiative aimed at expanding inclusive and rights-based social protection coverage for migrant workers across the South Asia-GCC migration corridor. Funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, the Foreign Policy Instrument of the European Union, and the Ford Foundation, STREAM aspires to create a world where every migrant worker can access the social protection necessary for a dignified life.
The workshop marks a significant step toward enhancing social protection systems in the Gulf region, facilitating evidence-based policy design and improving service delivery for all members of society.
